Built On Grit
The owner of Jasper's newest bodybuilding gym explains what sets his business apart.
Words by Nick Norris | Images by Al Blanton
After decades of dreaming, saving, and planning, Randy Willcutt finally achieved his vision by opening Level 1 Fitness in February 2024. The 61-year-old former firefighter and bodybuilder has devoted his life to health and fitness. Now, he shares that passion with his community in Walker County.
For over 20 years, Randy managed multiple responsibilities, including firefighting, running his masonry business, and competing as a professional bodybuilder. Opening a gym had been a longtime goal, but his busy schedule made it difficult to pursue. Retirement from firefighting marked the moment everything began to align.
"It was always just about timing," Randy explains. "I knew I would need to get the finances in order, find a building the right size, and those things started to fall into place after retirement."
Finding the right location took two years, but Randy and his son, Ridge, finally settled on a space next to Cabos San Lucas Mexican Restaurant in Jasper. With ample room for an array of state-of-the-art equipment, the space was poised to bring a new, community-focused fitness experience to the area.
"We have some of the best equipment around," Randy says. "But more than that, we are building our gym around community and sharing information."
Randy's vision goes beyond exercise machines. He aims to create an inclusive environment that supports members' overall well-being. Having witnessed people's health challenges, he's passionate about making a positive impact.
"It's nice to be able to help people," Randy says. "It's a positive thing. As a firefighter, you see a lot of really bad stuff, and this has just been a total 180 from all that. Being able to assist others reach their goals helps me just as much as it helps them in a lot of ways."
A key focus at Level 1 Fitness is nutrition, which Randy believes is foundational to achieving any fitness goal. Members receive individualized diet guidance that complements their unique lifestyles, setting them up for realistic, lasting progress.
"A person's diet is so important when trying to reach any fitness goal," Randy explains. "And we are here to share that nutritional information with the community. The plans and information we offer can't be found anywhere else around here."
Randy has worked to foster an atmosphere that feels like a family, rather than a commercial gym. "We're local," Randy says. "We want to provide more of a family atmosphere for those who want that. I'm in there all the time, and I like that everybody gets to know everybody."
With amenities including 24/7 access, one-on-one training, and accessible diet plans, the gym has helped many members progress significantly, from weight changes to strength and endurance gains. Randy, now focused on longevity, sees this as a chance to give back and create a health-minded community in Walker County.
"Competing is always a hidden goal of mine each year," Randy explains. "It gives me something to work towards. But at my age, the focus starts to shift toward longevity. The health side becomes so prominent between staying in shape and trying to avoid health issues. I'm very diet-oriented, and I have become more focused on how I eat and how to train safely."
Recently, Randy began utilizing the Level 1 Fitness Facebook Page to share fitness tips, celebrate member achievements and recognize individual milestones, whether health goals or competition wins.
With membership starting at just $29.50 a month, Level 1 Fitness invites everyone in Walker County to experience an inclusive and supportive environment dedicated to health, wellness, and community. 78